Redmond High School PTSA Presidents' Fall Letter announces "Much Ado About Nothing"

"From the desk of Jan LaFond and Shelley Flores, Presidents' RHS-PTSA"...

Hello to all,

As we move through the fall season, many have settled into school year routines. It's a busy period at Redmond High as students learn to deal with their new academic demands, participate in fall sports, after school clubs, and other creative activities. It's also an exciting time when new friendships begin and students come across old acquaintances from earlier years.

The fall has brought some highlights. Redmond High was involved in the Nick of Time event in early October, a community based screening for heart-related conditions in youth. Your PTSA was involved in the effort, providing food and beverages to the professional volunteers.

RHS students celebrated Homecoming in mid-October with a fabulously fun assembly, a close football game and a wonderful dance the next evening. The Leadership students, in conjunction with the PTSA, put together this great weekend! Many clubs created or contributed unique items for sale at the annual Homecoming Round-up. All funds raised benefit the specific goals of each of these very diverse and committed clubs.

The bands and orchestra have presented their fall concerts. The theater arts production of "Much Ado about Nothing" is right around the corner, beginning in early November.

This is but a sampling of the activity at RHS this fall. We hope it's been a positive and productive time for all RHS students and families!

Sincerely,

Jan LaFond and Shelley Flores
Presidents, RHS-PTSA
Mustang Messenger, November 3

Contact us at rhs.ptsa.news@gmail.com. For more information about the PTSA, please visit our web site at http://www.redmondhsptsa.org/. Many thanks to our members and our community partners. 

Discover Yoga, Roos Orthodontics, Regal Finance Bank are a few of the RHS-PTSA community partners.  B.Y.

Redmond High struggling with construction, technology and size issues.

Principal Todd addressing School Board, 2010

"We have struggled with construction issues, technology issues and size issues since we opened...It's exceedingly rare to find an unused classroom during any period of the day...It still feels crowded in the lunchroom...How will next year feel?" 

-- Redmond High Principal Jane Todd, "Mustang Messenger," Oct. 2011. 

 "Mustang Messenger" letter from Jane Todd, Principal, Redmond High School, Lake Washington School District...

Dear Parents,

It has been a bit of a wonderful, but crazy wild ride since the first day of school. The students seem happy and engaged, and, as always, they are a delight to me whenever I get the chance to interact with them personally and directly. They give me reason to be proud of them as individuals and as a group on a daily basis. In class meetings, assemblies, during "surprise" fire drills (more on this in a bit), and even, more informally, at lunch and during passing periods, students have been respectful, positive and appropriately spirited. Our staff is having truly wonderful conversations in our planning to welcome both 9th and 10th graders about this time next year. We have treated this reconfiguration all along as an opportunity to strengthen what we already do well and to address areas where we can do better as we embark on the adventure of converting to a four-year high school. I believe we had one of the largest turnouts for Curriculum Night we have ever had, despite the last minute rescheduling.

On the other hand, we have struggled with construction issues, technology issues and size issues since we opened in the beginning of September. Counselors went home on a well-earned vacation at the end of June, with their students scheduled in all classes and returned in August to discover that the "upgrade" to one of technology systems had wiped out about half the work that had been completed. They had to recreate what they had done, and they had to check schedules for appropriate placements.  Read More >>

Redmond High PTSA Weekly features: Sports, Nature, and TEDx events

CROSS COUNTRY TEAM BENEFIT RACE. Come out and help our cross country team by joining a 5K race at Hartman Park on Saturday, August 27 at 10:00am. The race is open to all community members encourages runners of all ages and skill levels. A donation of $15 is appreciated with 100% of the proceeds going to the Redmond High School Cross Country Team. Register at the RHS Cross Country Boosters Club web site.

MUSTANG OPEN TO BENEFIT RHS ATHLETICS. The fifth annual Mustang Open, which includes a golf tournament, dinner & auction to raise funds for RHS athletics, will be held at Bear Creek Country Club Monday, September 12 at noon. For more information or to register, contact Katy Bies.

BOYS' AND GIRLS' LACROSSE. Want to play lacrosse? Teams are forming now! Registration begins online in the fall. The season begins in March and continues through May. For more information visit Redmond Lacrosse.

HELP RESTORE FARREL-MCWHIRTER PARK. Join Green Redmond at Farrel-McWhirter Park on August 27 from 9:00-Noon for a work party to help remove invasive plants from the park. No experience is necessary, and Green Redmond will have all the gloves, tools, and other materials for you, as well as water and snacks. Please remember to bring your own water bottle to re-fill, and/or a mug for coffee. Wear sturdy shoes and consider long pants and long sleeves for working in the blackberry. All ages are welcome, although all volunteers under 18 must either be accompanied by an adult or bring a signed waiver. Please register if you wish to participate.

TEDx REDMOND 2011. Join Redmond teens at TEDx Redmond on September 10 at the Microsoft Conference Center at 16070 NE 36th Way. The conference will be open to those 18 years and younger, and has been organized by Redmond teens, including several RHS students!

Source:  Redmond Mustang Weekly

City Council gives District go-ahead to remodel Redmond High School; modifies parking plans

Redmond High School 

UPDATED:  City Council modifies LW School District's Redmond High School plan to construct two building additions, three portables, and additional parking.  Passes amended Ordinance 2608  approving RHS remodel. (6-1, Cole opposing).

The district is required to impliment and maintain detailed management plans for "event parking" and "daily operating parking".

It's a known fact, traffic is bad on 104th Street and 166th Avenue when school is in session.  During the July 19th city council meeting on the proposed Redmond High School (RHS) building additions, even Council President Richard Cole said he avoids driving these roads whenever possible.  Richard has this luxury; his kids graduated years ago. 

Susan Wilkins, a mother of two RHS students, unfortunately doesn't have this option.  In the July 26 permit Hearing, she bravely spoke for almost 10 minutes on district traffic study omissions and school project costs. City and district lawyers and officials listened intently.

"With 500 more potential parent drop-offs of 9th graders, traffic will be horrible" Wilkins said.  "I can't even get on 104th Street without making an illegal left turn".  She said her "kids had to walk on Avondale just to get on a bus, just so the District could get paid [for that route]."   Wilkins advised that a state law goes into effect this September giving eligibility for busing only to those kids living outside a one mile radius from school (not counting twists and turns).  She concluded, "It's better to drive my kids".

Ms. Wilkins focused her argument on severe lack of school and Metro bus ridership stating:

"Only 300 ride the bus to RHS, of 1450 students.  That's less than 20% of the population.  At Lake Washington High School almost 1000 students or, 50% ride of the kids ride the Metro bus".   

She said the District needs to provide more buses or give Metro incentives.   Unfortunate for Ms. Wilkins and her supporters, Council didn't address busing.  A traffic planning ordinance (TMP) and lack of documentation appeared to limit Council on the issue.

What the District committed was Read More >>

Redmond High School PTSA holds General Membership and Awards meeting June 8.

Redmond High PTSA General Membership Meeting, June 8. 

PLEASE JOIN US!  The  Redmond High PTSA will be holding a General Membship meeting this Wednesday, June 8th from 7:00-8:30 PM.

We need you: please join us! We will be honoring our scholarship recipients and volunteers, and voting on ways to help students in need in our community. Please join us. We will be in the  Redmond High school's Career Center.

Congratulations to the 2011-2012

RHS PTSA slate of officers

Co-Presidents: Shelley Flores and Jan LaFond
1st Vice President of Program: Peg Hunt
2nd Vice President of Services: Karen Figurelle
Treasurer: Susan Seabrooks
Secretary: Marie Kent

REDMOND HIGH SCHOOL PTSA AWARDS

Redmond High School 2011 award recipients will be announced soon

Golden Acorn, Golden Mustang, Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Advocate.

Congratulations to our Reflections winners!

Excellence in Film - Pierce Adler
Outstanding in Literature - Samvit Jain
Excellence in Literature - Maya Balakrishnan

Redmond High PTSA website

Redmond shuts out Marysville-Pilchuck 10-0 to earn state 4A baseball berth | Seattle Times Newspaper

Fans turn-out to cheer "Stangs despite cold and drizzle
On to Tacoma on Saturday for state tourney!

Mustang Coach Dan Pudwill
with game face 

Redmond shuts out Marysville-Pilchuck 10-0 to earn state 4A baseball berth:

"REDMOND — After opening the KingCo 4A tournament with a loss to Inglemoor, Redmond faced a simple scenario: Win or go home.

Since that setback the Mustangs have ripped off four straight victories, the latest coming in a winner-to-state, loser-out matchup against Marysville-Pilchuck Monday at Hartman Park.

Redmond broke the game open in the third inning, scoring five runs with two outs en route to a 10-0 victory over the Tomahawks. The Mustangs (18-7) start the state playoffs at 10 a.m. Saturday against No. 9 Olympia at Heidelberg Park in Tacoma."

Read More >>

By Mason Kelly
Seattle Times Sports Blog, 5/16
Photos and color/link edits By Yoder

Directions to Heidleberg Park, Tacoma.

Redmond defeats Inglemoor, 6-2. One win away from State tournament.

37 second clip of Dylan Davis (#10) hitting 2-run HR  bottom of the third inning.
Cody Beliel (#1), designated-runner for Zach Abbruzza (#21), was driven home from first base.

Coach Dan Pudwill

The Mustangs soundly defeated Inglemoor 6-2 after two previous losses to the Vikings this year.

The 'Stangs are now one-win away from the State tournament. They host a game at Hartman Park, Monday, 5/16, 4pm against the WestCo 4A loser-out winner - the Mariner Marauders or Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks.

Are you coming to the game!

Video and Report by Bob Yoder

PTSA News: Volunteer Awards, Foundation Funding, PTSA officer slate, parent workshop

Factors Influencing Teen Decision Making & Behaviors. On Wednesday, April 6th from 7-9 PM at the Juanita High School Theater (132nd St., Kirkland), presenters Bill Corson & Laura Doerflinger will help parents understand the complex mix of factors that can result in questionable decision making by our teens and give parents reasonable strategies for guiding & monitoring their student. Recommended for parents of Students 7th grade & up. This FREE program is sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. No registration required. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.

PTSA OFFICER SLATE. The 2011-12 RHS PTSA slate of officers is below.

Co-President: Shelley Flores
1st VP of Programs: Peg Hunt
2nd VP of Services: Karen Figurelle
Treasurer: Susan Seabrooks
Secretary: Marie Kent

Repectfully submitted by the 2011 RHS PTSA Nominating Committee:
Jerry Smith, Brenda Hunt, Julie Firth, Kim Axelrod

RHS PTSA AWARDS. The RHS PTSA is seeking recommendations in identifying exceptional advocates and volunteers within our school community. Below you will find several award categories. Awards are presented to honorees at RHS. Recommendations can be sent to the RHS office addressed to "PTSA Awards" or you can email recommendations to Robin Adler. You may nominate more than one person for each award. Past award recipients are posted on the RHS PTSA website. Deadline for submissions is April 22.

Read More >>

LW - PTSA - Community Digest for the Week

COMMUNITY DIGEST

Here's the latest LW - PTSA Topics for the Week

Family Facing Problems?
College Sorority Information Forum
Plant Trees for Pearl Jam
Leadership Workshop.  The Power of Hope
Digital Arts Festival
Ride Shakedown Ride
Fifth Annual Classic Rockathon
Whiz Kids Wanted
Soccer Spring Training Workshop

To learn more about any of these topics, Read More >>

UPDATED: State school accountability findings and ratings released

CC:  Chip Kimball and School Board of Directors

In April 2010 the State Board of Education published its Public Schools Accountability Index. The Index grades Washington public schools on a scale of one to seven, measured by four indicators and five outcomes (1). The four indicators are:

•Achievement by non-low income students;
•Achievement by low-income students;
•Achievement compared to other schools with similar demographics;
•Improvement in student achievement.

Washington Policy Center’s Public School Accountability Index rates the quality of more than 2,000 public schools across the state including those in Lake Washington School District. The Index is based on data compiled by the State Board of Education’s 2010 Achievement Index.

Here are the findings, According to an intern from the Washington Policy Center of Educaiton:

• 597,000, or nearly 60%, of Washington children attend Fair or Struggling public schools.
• Only 93,000, less than 10%, of students attend a Very Good or Exemplary public school.
• The great majority of schools, 1,208, rank as only Fair or Struggling,
• Only 212 schools, barely 10%, rank as either Very Good or Exemplary.
• The poor academic performance is not due to lack of support from taxpayers – funding for Washington public education is at record highs.
• Public schools receive just over $10 billion a year, or $10,200 per student, in operating funds, plus an additional $1.3 billion for school construction.
• Since 1980 education spending, adjusted for inflation, has more than doubled, while the number of students, due to smaller families, has increased by only a third.
• There are fewer students today in relation to the total population than in the past, and spending per student is the highest ever.

What do you think of this?   Write your comment below the post!  Read more for school rankings!

REPUBLISHED: East Indian Hindu Festival at Redmond High School

3th in a series on the cultural contribution and influence of international residents in Redmond.

UPDATED, REPUBLISHED Opinion:  Did you know that most East Indians in Redmond are Hindu?  These pictures and 1.5 video clip tell the story. In October, 2008 I was driving by the Redmond High School and saw lots of East Indians walking into the school.  I happened to have my camera so I cautiously walked into the school cafeteria to see what was up.

 There must have been several hundred men, women and children dressed in their finery. They were all members of "UTTORN of Greater Seattle" - a non-profit fundraising organization that celebrates their culture with an event 4x a year.  (Just a few days ago on 2/5/11 they had another festival at Redmond High!)
This event is a celebration of Goddess Durga (right). Durga is beautiful, has many arms and is always accompanied by a tiger or lion. Can you find her in the festival photo, below? Sometimes Durga is warrior-like and carries multiple weapons to fight off demons.

I met this nice family, the Guha's. Mr. Guha works at Microsoft.  He said most East Indians in Redmond are Hindu. There are four temples outside of Redmond area but none in Redmond. The closest temple is in Bothell. Mr. Guha said about 50% of the East Indians in Redmond attend services. These folks were warm, happy and kind. I felt comfortable being there....like part of the family. They liked me taking pictures and didn't mind if I kept my shoes on!  Lots of children and families! 

This video clip was taken in October, 2008:  1.5 min.

The Guha Family

See More Pictures >>>>

LETTER: "STEM Education is the primary focus of my job"; will bring ideas home to RHS, By MIke Town

On April, 2010  Mike Town said good-bye to
students and faculty at RHS to work for the NSF.
 Mike and Meg will return home from D.C. August, 2011 to
 the beauty of NW mountains and rivers.  

Special thanks to a reader who asked the meaning of "STEM": Science,Technology, Engineering, and Math education.

From the desk of Mike Town...

For years I have read the Blog and this is the first chance I have had to respond to a request from Bob to update the readers on what is happening to Meg and me on our adventures in Washington DC. If you follow the blog you may know that I have taught science for 25 years at Redmond High School. Meg has taught for almost as long with the last 6 years at Redmond Junior High School. Over the past decade my main teaching responsibilities have included teaching Advanced Placement Environmental Science and a course in Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Design (which we will be offering at RHS again next year).

This year I accepted an Einstein Fellowship in Washington, DC working with the National Science Board which oversees the National Science Foundation. So last August Meg and I left our solar powered house and moved to Arlington.

The NSF, which was founded in 1950, funds a significant portion of science research in the United States. One of the agency’s mandates is STEM Education from kindergarten to the PhD level. These days STEM education reform is a hot issue. It should be. As many of you know... Read more >>

Redmond High School PTSA endorses levy measure

PLEASE VOTE FOR THE LWSD LEVY. The Lake Washington School District is facing overcrowding at all levels in our schools, including at RHS. In response, the District has placed a levy measure on the ballot on February 8th. The levy measure will fund additional space at RHS, as well as other needed improvements. The RHS PTSA has endorsed this measure and urges your support. Want to learn more? Please read about levy myths and facts.
 
Redmond High School PTSA
Mustang Weekly, 1/31

Redmond 46 - Garfield 45

Redmond's Defense proves too much for Garfield.  

REDMOND MUSTANGS 46 - GARFIELD BULLDOGS 45

Post Game Celebration

Redmond Mustang Score Card    Redmond High Coaches
#3   Andrew Squiers   10 pts.       Jeff Larson, Head Coach
#10 Jason Harrington  14 pts.       Josh Folsom, Assist. Coach
#20 Joe Mercer            2 pts.        Roy Bordner, JV Coach
#22 Alex Lin                 1 pt.          "C" Team Coach:  Steven Ishmael
#24 Peter Hendron       6 pts.
#31 Leslie Ellis             3 pts.
#33 Conner Floan       10 pts.

Mustangs play #1 Team in State Tonight!

Junior Conner Floan (#33) rebounds as Leslie Ellis sets-up.

 

Shooter Harrington (#10) is followed-up
by #24 Hendron -both Juniors

Mustangs play #1 Team in the State tonight!
Tuesday, 1/18, 7:30PM at Redmond!

Mustang basketball mom says: 

"Who says getting rebounds is easy? In the ultimate challenge - Mustangs play #1 team in the state, Garfield, tomorrow night at Redmond - Come and show them what Redmond Fans are all about! 

I'm hoping Garfield will be pooped after playing in a tournament in MA flying back and playing Rainier Beach tonight."

Redmond leads their KingCo 4A Crest Division 6-1

Garfield leads their KingCo 4A Crown Division 7-1



Tuesday, January 18th at Redmond vs. Garfield, 7:30 pm 

Friday, January 21st at Eastlake, 8:00 pm (Quad-Header, Girls at 6:30 pm)

Saturday, January 22nd at Inglemoor, 8:00 pm (Quad-Header, Girls at 6:15 pm)

Wednesday, January 26th at Woodinville. Junior Varsity at 5:45 pm, Varsity at 7:30 pm.

Redmond Mustang 2010- 2011 Roster

Insights into Mike Town - from early childhood to his fellowship at the National Science Foundation.

Redmond High School Environmental Teacher Mike Town shares his past and plans for "Teaching Green.".
Mike is on leave in D.C. -- an Einstein Fellow for the National Science Foundation.



Insights into Mike Town - from early childhood to his fellowship at the National Science Foundation.

Teaching Green:  WINDOW - The magazine for Western Washington University
Story by William Dietrich ('73), Fall 2010

"While a missle can be aimed across continents, teaching and learning are more akin to throwing gravel in a pond. Sure, ripples go out, but exactly what a university like Western accomplishes might not be entirely clear until years or decades after graduation. Did inspiration really take root? Was a key lesson really learned?

How far will those ripples go?

Then someone like Mike Town, ‘84 and ‘85, helps change the world. And you know the collaboration works.

Town got direction in life from Western and Huxley College of the Environment. And he, in turn, has given direction to about 1,500 of his environmental education students at Redmond High School, while successfully lobbying for new wilderness and pioneering alternative energy in his “spare” time.

And his “pay it forward” enthusiasm and strategies are beginning to influence high school teaching across the country.  Read More...

Mike Town
Einstein Fellow
National Science Board Office
National Science Foundation
703 292 2610
425 765 5121
mtown@nsf.gov
Mike Town is on Facebook

Redmond Mustang Boys Blackout Eastlake, 73-51

Zach Klein Hits 3 In The Last Play Of  The Game - Band And Super Fans Gone Wild!

**Watch The Super-Fan Post-Game Celebration**

Redmond Mustang Boys Basketball Website

PTSA Community Digest

COMMUNITY DIGEST, Compliments of RHS PTSA "Mustang Weekly"

REDMOND LIGHTS. City Hall Plaza, Redmond Town Center, and the Sammamish River Trail will be alight with luminaries and decorations on Saturday, December 4th for Redmond Lights.

EASTSIDE SYMPHONY HOLIDAY CONCERT. The Eastside Symphony's Holiday Concert - featuring two local youth soloists - will be held on Sunday, December 5th at 3:00 PM at the RHS PAC.

CAN YOU HELP TOYS FOR TOTS? Toys for Tots will be collecting unwrapped toys for needy children on December 11th from 11:00-2:00 at the Coldwell Banker Bain at Bella Bottega. Help brighten a child's holiday season!

HOLIDAY BASH: UGLY SWEATER PARTY! On Friday, December 17th at 8 PM, come to the Old Firehouse Teen Center to celebrate the holidays in your ugliest sweater! TICKET PRICE: $7

BOYS' RUGBY! The Eastside Lions Youth Rugby season begins in January! Rugby is a safe, exciting, fun sport that will challenge athletes both mentally and physically. We provide opportunities for kids, ages 7-18 via our mini's (u12), u14, u16 and u19 teams. Sign up today! Be a part of the Lions family and become Rugby Strong. Our season runs from January to May. Practice begins Tuesday, January 12th. Questions? Contact Josh Young.

-RHS PTSA MUSTANG WEEKLY

Now Playing: "The Wedding Singer" - Dinner and Show

Now Playing: "Redmond High School Theatre Arts presents...

The Wedding Singer

Book and Lyrics by Chad Beguelin & Tim Herl

Music by Matthew Sklar

Directed by Misty Doty

November 4-6, 11-13 & 18-20
7:00 P.M. Dinner & Show

Dinner will be provided by the RHS Culinary Arts Program.

Friday & Saturday shows are $20 a ticket for dinner and the show. Advanced reservations are required for these dates.

Reservations can be made by e-mailing Mrs. Doty at mdoty@lwsd.org  or calling and leaving a message at (425) 936-1820. Please include your name, number in the party, and contact number and/or email. Tickets will be paid for at the door. Each table will seat eight.

All Thursday performances will be $10 a ticket. There will be no advanced reservations for these performances. We will seat the first 128 people.

Dinners will include an appetizer, a main dish (which will satisfy both vegetarians & non-vegetarians), and wedding cake!

Childcare will be provided at all shows by the RHS Child Psychology class. Reservations are required; call (425) 936-1820."

By the Redmond High School Drama Boosters

PTSA COMMUNITY DIGEST

"LIVABLE REDMOND FORUM. You are invited to an engaging evening featuring sustainability enthusiast and area resident Andy Wappler. This event will begin a dialogue on sustainability related to two key city planning updates. Please come share your ideas and stories, ask questions and help shape Redmond's future! Wednesday, November 3 from 4:30-8:30PM at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th Street.

READY FOR SNOW?  -- Info Night at RHS on November 9th at 7 PM

LACROSSE!   Boys registration on November 16, 7-9 PM ;   Girls registration on November 10, 7:30 PM

RUGBY!  Eastside Lions Youth Rugby, Ages 7 -18,  Season starts January 12.

READ MORE FOR DETAILS >>